The Vogtland region is situated at the borders of Bavaria, Thuringia, Saxony and the Czech Republic. The Göltzschtalbrücke, south-east of Greiz, is an attractive choice for the start and end point of this circular route. Just over 26 million bricks were used to build this 78-metre high bridge, which has 98 arches spread over four levels. From here, the route continues along the Köhlersteig trail to Greiz. This picture-perfect town with its beautiful Renaissance palace is known as the ‘pearl of the Vogtland’. In Greiz, the trail follows the White Elster river upstream through the popular Steinicht climbing region to the Elster Valley Bridge. After passing through the spa resorts of Bad Elster and Bad Brambach, the trail ascends Kapellenberg hill, which offers magnificent views extending well into the Czech Republic. It’s then on to towns and villages such as Markneukirchen, Erlbach and Klingenthal in the region known as the ‘musical corner’. For 350 years, this area has produced accordions, recorders, zithers, guitars, mandolins and many other types of musical instrument. From the 936m peak of Mount Aschberg you walk along the mountain ridge to Morgenröthe-Rautenkranz, the birthplace of the ‘first German cosmonaut’ Sigmund Jähn and home to the German Aerospace Exhibition. There is another impressive castle to see in Mylau, before the trail brings you full circle to the Göltzschtalbrücke.

Tip: spectacular balloon ascent over the Göltzschtalbrücke

In this tethered balloon you can ascend to a height of 150m – that’s nearly twice as high as the Göltzschtalbrücke, which is the largest brick bridge in the world. You’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the bridge, the Göltzsch valley and the towns of Netzschkau and Mylau.